Once only famous for its delicious pineapple, where a familiar brand takes its supply, Polomolok, South Cotabato is positioning itself to become popular in another industry as well -- cattle fattening to become the country's major beef supplier.
The erstwhile Agriculture secretary, Manny Piñol, announced through his Facebook account that the industry is staging a comeback in the province with the signing of the meat supply agreement among one of the largest importing-exporting firms in the country and two local cattle farms in the municipality.
Polomolok Mayor Bernie Palencia was revitalized in cattle fattening for the municipality and his farmer-constituents after First Atkins Import-Export Inc. CEO Gabriel Ang signed a meat supply agreement with Great Arch Farms, owned by outstanding overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Arnel Corpuz, and Braveheart Farms, owned by the Piñol family.
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by some local farmers, including a group from Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, led by former Mayor Ruben Platon.
"This is a major agricultural development because the meat supply agreement creates opportunities for other farmers who will supply the silage and feeds requirements. Sorghum, soybeans, corn, copra meal, and cassava are among the products needed in the cattle fattening program of Arnel Corpuz," Piñol said.
This means that the revitalization of the cattle fattening industry will pave the way for the local farmers to earn more, as they have been reeling from the very low prices of corn and cassava due to the devastation of the hog industry from the African Swine Fever (ASF).
"There is hope now and this is simply because a major meat importing company decided to source its supply from local farmers," Piñol added. CEA